MK Dons talisman Scott Twine has revealed there was concern worried when Russell Martin left six days before the start of the season but claimed that the squad's togetherness has helped them challenge for automatic promotion, speaking exclusively to Football League World

Russell eased fears about his exit in late July but just two days later was confirmed as Swansea City's new boss.

Liam Manning replaced him at Stadium MK and things have gone from strength to strength since – with the League One side still in with a chance of a top-two finish.

MK Dons are a point behind second-placed Rotherham United meaning if they beat Plymouth Argyle and the Millers slip up against Gillingham on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign, they will be automatically promoted to the Championship.

That would represent quite some feat given Martin's departure less than a week before the start of the season.

Twine has been vital to their success this term – scoring 16 goals and providing 13 assists on his way to the League One Player of the Year award – and, speaking exclusively to Football League World, has addressed the manager's dramatic exit back in August.

He said: “I think everyone was a little bit worried when Russell Martin left six days before the start of the season but the squad stuck together and it’s not a surprise where we are in the league.

“We work really hard and we deserve to be there."

"We obviously want to go up automatically," continued the 22-year-old. "All we can do is win our game at Plymouth and see what happens but we’re just enjoying it and doing the best we can to be fair."

All the League One games on Saturday kick-off at 12.30pm and MK Dons fans will no doubt be keeping a close eye on proceedings at Priestfield.

Given Rotherham's inconsistency in recent weeks and the fact that Gillingham need a result to avoid relegation, an upset is not off the cards.

But a trip to Home Park to face Plymouth will be a tough test for MK Dons as well – with Argyle at risk of missing out on the play-offs if they fail to win.